Nurse Practitioner - Forensic Prison Team
- 1.0FTE, Fixed-term position from 02/11/2026 - 01/12/2028 to provide cover while a recruitment process takes place
- Drivers license required as travel is involved in this role
- Must be a Nurse Practitioner and hold a current APC *or Pending
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.
About the role
Nurse Practitioner/Matanga Tapuhi are highly skilled health professionals who practice beyond the level of a registered nurse, with the legal authority to diagnosis, order and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medications. Nurse Practitioners within the Forensic Mental Health Service, primarily in the Forensic Prison Team (FPT) lead the clinical care of Tangata Whaiora who are within the prison setting. Nurse Practitioners undertake comprehensive health assessment, including diagnostic interpretation and treatment planning, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. The Nurse Practitioner role includes complex health care decision making, along with engaging in both local and national quality improvement, and health committees.
About You
Forensic Prison Team provides a consult liaison role into the Canterbury Prisons where you would undertake assessment and ongoing intervention for prisoners identified as having mental health needs. This role may also require engagement with the wider justice service including courts. You will work closely with your inter-disciplinary colleagues and with community agencies to ensure that clients receive wraparound services that support their rehabilitation and community reintegration.
Applications will be accepted from Nurse Practitioners with a current APC *or Pending
Skills and experience
Strong administrative and organisational skills are vital in this busy role where you need to be flexible to meet the changeable nature of your work. Your assertiveness and experience with risk assessment and management will assist you in developing plans to meet the needs of individual clients. You will also have an ability to develop good rapport with the people you work with.
If you’re keen to work in a challenging but highly rewarding environment, to develop a wide range of assessment skills, and forensic mental health experience, then come and join our team.
Please ensure you include a covering letter to highlight your relevant skillset and experience.
About Us
Specialist Mental Health Services are an interdisciplinary team that forms part of Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha (Canterbury). We are committed to working and partnering with tāngata whaiora and their whanau. Constantly striving to work within our philosophy; we develop therapeutic, supportive and empowering relationships with our consumers, enabling them to achieve their personal goals and aspirations.
Working at Health New Zealand
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.
How to Apply
To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers’ portal by Monday, 2nd November If you have any questions about the role, please contact Recruitment Partner Lisa Gray on Lisa.Gray2@tewhatuora.govt.nz
We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.
Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.
Fixed Term/Contract/Full Time
Job no: PC4545439
Location: Christchurch
Closing Date: Monday, 2nd November